Southbury Dog Park

Often, it seems that business and communities are at odds. We hear about corporations getting huge tax cuts, only to spend that money on destroying local green space or on huge executive bonuses. Or a company brings jobs into an area that involve increasing pollution or overburdening local roads. Isn't it nice to hear of companies doing good things for their communities? Maybe they sponsor a charity fun run, maybe they get involved with re-building homes that have been affected by natural disaster. In this case, O&G Industries, a sand and gravel supplier in Southbury, Connecticut, donated an absolutely terrific dog park.

The Southbury Dog Park is fourteen acres of canine paradise. It has a broad field for running with plenty of trees and benches for the humans. There are poop bags and trash cans. There are even some picnic tables. The park also has a forested area and a small river that is shallow enough to wade in, with a few stairs so dog parents can get to the water more easily. Even if your puppy isn't a water breed, she will go absolutely bananas.

The Southbury Dog Park has an enclosure for small dogs that does not have river access but still has trees and a couple of benches. Most of the time, the river is shallow and fairly slow, but there are times, especially after hard rains, that the water can be quite swift and hazardous, so be aware. Additionally, the park is on land that is still attached to an O&G quarry and processing center. There isn't a lot of noise pollution, but it can get dusty and the road to the park often has trucks. Visitors are advised to make sure their dogs are leashed on exiting the park.

The Southbury Dog Park is very popular, so your puppy will have plenty of play partners. The O&G Company is responsible for maintaining the park and they do a great job. The park is only partially fenced and the river forms a natural barrier at the back. The park is great fun for your dog and is absolutely beautiful. If you are in the area, be sure to visit.